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Ford forward collision avoidance recalls: misaimed radar and camera sensors
All four of Ford's forward collision avoidance recalls come down to one thing: a sensor pointed the wrong way from the factory. Two involve the cruise control radar module — misaligned during production on the 2021 Bronco and Ranger, and again on 2023-2024 Escape two-wheel-drive models with adaptive cruise control, where Ford describes braking that happens unexpectedly. The other two involve the Mustang's forward-facing camera: the 2020 car's camera was misaligned, affecting Pre-Collision Assist, adaptive cruise control, Lane Keeping System, Driver Alert and Auto High Beam, and the 2022 Mustang's Image Processing Module A camera had the same aiming problem. No engine, brake or steering hardware is involved — only the sensors the driver aids depend on.
Warning signs to watch for
- Adaptive cruise control braking for no visible reason, or slowing unexpectedly in traffic
- Pre-Collision Assist or automatic emergency braking not reacting to a vehicle ahead
- Lane Keeping System or Driver Alert not behaving the way it normally does
- Auto High Beam failing to switch between high and low beams on its own
Is it safe to keep driving?
No recall in this group tells owners to stop driving or park outside, and all four vehicles drive normally. The caution is about the driver aids themselves: with the radar or camera aimed wrong, Pre-Collision Assist, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping, Driver Alert and Auto High Beam may not act when you need them. Ford's Escape notice also describes adaptive cruise braking unexpectedly. The practical approach is to switch adaptive cruise control off and drive as though none of those features exist until the sensor is realigned.
What the free repair involves
Two procedures cover all four recalls. On the Bronco, Ranger and Escape, the dealer physically adjusts the angle of the cruise control radar module. On the 2020 and 2022 Mustang, the dealer realigns the forward-facing camera, using the Lane Departure Warning System camera alignment procedure on the 2020 cars. Both repairs are free and both require a dealer visit.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| high | 2 |
| medium | 2 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-06-14 | Ford Escape radar misaimed, cruise control brakes unexpectedly | high |
| 2022-05-13 | Ford Mustang front camera aimed wrong, disables safety features | medium |
| 2021-12-16 | Ford Bronco and Ranger: crash-avoidance radar aimed wrong | high |
| 2020-05-27 | Ford Mustang forward camera misaligned, driver aids may fail | medium |
Common questions
Can I still use adaptive cruise control before the repair?
Ford does not ban it, but the notices say the radar is misaligned and the 2023-2024 Escape can brake unexpectedly. The safer choice is to leave adaptive cruise control switched off and drive normally until the dealer adjusts the module angle.
Will a warning light tell me the radar or camera is misaligned?
The notices do not promise one. The 2020 Mustang recall says camera-dependent features such as Pre-Collision Assist, Lane Keeping System and Auto High Beam may not function as intended, so the first sign is often a feature that quietly stops working.
Does a misaligned radar affect my regular brakes?
No. These recalls concern the cruise control radar module and the forward-facing camera, which feed the driver assistance features. Your normal brakes, steering and engine are unaffected — what is at risk is automatic braking and the other systems relying on those sensors.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.